Find Nursing Colleges

What Do You Want to Study?

Best Nursing Schools in Missouri

Find Schools Near

2023 Best Nursing Schools in Missouri

37 Schools Ranked
$42,322 Average Earnings
$29,114 Avg Student Debt

There are so many nursing programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamp that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

The Best Nursing Schools in Missouri ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 37 schools in Missouri to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for nursing students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Schools in Missouri

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Webster University

Saint Louis, Missouri
3,092 Total Awards
$50,709 Average Earnings
$44,927 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Webster University to be the best school for nursing students in Missouri. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 3,092 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $44,927 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Webster graduates make an average of $50,709 annually.

Read full report on Webster University

#2

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
3,153 Total Awards
$59,828 Average Earnings
$39,378 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Maryville University of Saint Louis. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Missouri list. Saint Louis, Missouri is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 3,153 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $39,378 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $407, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Maryville U graduates make an average of $59,828 annually.

Read full report on Maryville University of Saint Louis

674 Total Awards
$39,784 Average Earnings
$23,396 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Missouri list. Located in Fayette, Missouri, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 674 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from CMU CGES accumulate an average of $23,396 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, CMU CGES graduates make an average of $39,784 annually.

Read full report on Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies

#4

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
3,396 Total Awards
$51,202 Average Earnings
$46,859 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Saint Louis University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in Missouri list. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 3,396 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $46,859 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $531. Once they receive their degree, SLU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,202 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#5

Rockhurst University

Kansas City, Missouri
1,079 Total Awards
$46,369 Average Earnings
$39,188 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Rockhurst University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in Missouri list. Rockhurst is a private not-for-profit institution located in Kansas City, Missouri. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,079 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $39,188 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $364 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Rockhurst graduates make an average of $46,369 annually.

Read full report on Rockhurst University

#6

Truman State University

Kirksville, Missouri
1,138 Total Awards
$35,772 Average Earnings
$21,228 Avg Student Debt

Truman State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #6 on the list. Truman State is located in Kirksville, Missouri and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,138 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Truman State accumulate an average of $21,228 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Truman State graduates make an average of $35,772 annually.

Read full report on Truman State University

#7

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
9,503 Total Awards
$46,901 Average Earnings
$29,848 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - Columbia ranked #7 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Missouri list. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the large public school handed out 9,503 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $29,848 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $483 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Mizzou, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,901 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Missouri - Columbia Report

#8

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri
2,857 Total Awards
$41,823 Average Earnings
$25,196 Avg Student Debt

University of Central Missouri came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Warrensburg, Missouri, the fairly large public school awarded 2,857 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $25,196 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $196 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UCM graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,823 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on University of Central Missouri

#9

University of Missouri - Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri
3,445 Total Awards
$57,524 Average Earnings
$40,026 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - Kansas City came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the fairly large public school awarded 3,445 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $40,026 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $187, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UMKC graduates make an average of $57,524 annually.

Full University of Missouri - Kansas City Report

#10

Hannibal - LaGrange University

Hannibal, Missouri
171 Total Awards
$35,172 Average Earnings
$19,292 Avg Student Debt

Hannibal - LaGrange University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Located in Hannibal, Missouri, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 171 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $19,292 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from HLGU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,172 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Hannibal - LaGrange University

#11

William Jewell College

Liberty, Missouri
242 Total Awards
$39,655 Average Earnings
$20,891 Avg Student Debt

William Jewell College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. William Jewell is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Liberty, Missouri. It awarded 242 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $20,891 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $378. Once they receive their degree, William Jewell graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,655 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

#12

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
2,118 Total Awards
$35,626 Average Earnings
$23,068 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Missouri State University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Missouri list. Cape Girardeau, Missouri is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 2,118 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,068 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $182, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Southeast Missouri State University graduates make an average of $35,626 annually.

Read full report on Southeast Missouri State University

880 Total Awards
$39,731 Average Earnings
$10,462 Avg Student Debt

State Technical College of Missouri came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Linn, Missouri, the small public school awarded 880 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from STC accumulate an average of $10,462 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from STC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,731 during the early years of their career.

Full State Technical College of Missouri Report

#14

Missouri State University - Springfield

Springfield, Missouri
5,730 Total Awards
$40,472 Average Earnings
$26,391 Avg Student Debt

Missouri State University - Springfield ranked #14 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Missouri list. Missouri State is a large public school situated in Springfield, Missouri. It awarded 5,730 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $26,391 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $206 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Missouri State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,472 during the early year of their career.

Full Missouri State University - Springfield Report

282 Total Awards
$38,485 Average Earnings
$22,703 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Central Methodist University - College of Liberal Arts & Sciences did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Located in Fayette, Missouri, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 282 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $22,703 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from CMU CLAS, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,485 during the early years of their career.

Full Central Methodist University - College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Report

#16

Columbia College

Columbia, Missouri
2,294 Total Awards
$40,927 Average Earnings
$28,957 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Columbia College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution located in Columbia, Missouri. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 2,294 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Columbia College Missouri accumulate an average of $28,957 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Columbia College Missouri, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,927 during the early years of their career.

Read More…

#17

Saint Louis Community College

Bridgeton, Missouri
2,381 Total Awards
$33,950 Average Earnings
$9,534 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Saint Louis Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Saint Louis Community College is a fairly large public school located in Bridgeton, Missouri that handed out 2,381 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Saint Louis Community College accumulate an average of $9,534 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Saint Louis Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,950 during the early year of their career.

Full Saint Louis Community College Report

#18

University of Missouri - St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
2,872 Total Awards
$45,753 Average Earnings
$31,036 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - St Louis came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the fairly large public school awarded 2,872 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,036 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $174, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UMSL graduates make an average of $45,753 annually.

Full University of Missouri - St Louis Report

#19

Moberly Area Community College

Moberly, Missouri
862 Total Awards
$38,389 Average Earnings
$12,434 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Moberly Area Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. This medium-sized public school is located in Moberly, Missouri, and it awarded 862 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from MACC accumulate an average of $12,434 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from MACC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,389 during the early years of their career.

Full Moberly Area Community College Report

#20

North Central Missouri College

Trenton, Missouri
444 Total Awards
$35,982 Average Earnings
$12,248 Avg Student Debt

North Central Missouri College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Missouri ranking. NCMC is a small public school situated in Trenton, Missouri. It awarded 444 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,248 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, NCMC graduates make an average of $35,982 annually.

Read More…

3,677 Total Awards
$40,267 Average Earnings
$11,152 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Missouri ranking. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the fairly large public school handed out 3,677 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,152 in student loans.After graduating from MCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,267 during the early years of their career.

Full Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City Report

#22

Avila University

Kansas City, Missouri
395 Total Awards
$41,749 Average Earnings
$26,917 Avg Student Debt

Avila University ranked #22 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Missouri list. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 395 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,917 in student loans.After graduating from Avila, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,749 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Avila University

#23

St Charles Community College

Cottleville, Missouri
965 Total Awards
$34,388 Average Earnings
$9,855 Avg Student Debt

St Charles Community College ranked #23 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Missouri list. SCC is a public institution located in Cottleville, Missouri. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 965 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from SCC accumulate an average of $9,855 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, SCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,388 during the early year of their career.

Full St Charles Community College Report

#24

State Fair Community College

Sedalia, Missouri
750 Total Awards
$41,167 Average Earnings
$15,232 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, State Fair Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. State Fair Community College is a public institution located in Sedalia, Missouri. The school has a small population, and it awarded 750 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,232 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, State Fair Community College graduates make an average of $41,167 annually.

Read full report on State Fair Community College

#25

Jefferson College

Hillsboro, Missouri
688 Total Awards
$37,846 Average Earnings
$12,048 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #25, Jefferson College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. JeffCo is located in Hillsboro, Missouri and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 688 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $12,048 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, JeffCo graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,846 during the early year of their career.

Read More…

Best Nursing Schools in the Plains States Region

View Best Nursing Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Find Nursing Schools Near You

Our free matching tool for schools matches students with nursing schools across the U.S.